Rangers fans start the party in Seville ahead of Europa League final - in pictures

Rangers fans were determined to get the party started early in Seville as they prepared for the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night.

More than 5,000 police officers and security personnel were on high alert as the Spanish city prepared for up to 150,000 supporters of the Scottish and German clubs.

Streets were being closed, barriers erected around monuments and security heightened in subway stations and at the city’s main squares to try to maintain order.

But none of that dampened the enthusiasm of the early arrivals determined to make the most of Rangers' rare appearance in a European final.

National police chief Juan Carlos Castro said 50,000 Frankfurt fans and up to 100,000 Rangers fans were expected in the city ahead of the final at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Both clubs are hoping to end decades of European despair by winning the final of the second-tier continental competition. Frankfurt have not won a European trophy in more than 40 years, while Rangers’ last European title came 50 years ago.

The winning club will also secure a coveted automatic spot in the group stage of the Champions League next season.